I tried Martha Stewart's new skincare line that targets signs of aging — one product impressed me, and the other fell flat

It's undeniable that Martha Stewart has good taste, from her enviable, garden-lined estate in Westchester, New York, to her beautifully crafted books for the modern homemaker (all 100 of them). She's also created quite the image for herself through decades of meticulous brand building.

Now, Stewart is bringing her business savvy to the beauty industry withElm Biosciences, a skincare brand she's created in tandem with dermatologistDr. Dhaval Bhanusali (who also happens to be the resident dermatlogist at Rhode). The pair have been working on and testing Elm for about five years, and it's finally ready.

The main focus of the new line is to tackle signs of inflammation from inside and out, because inflammation is a major contributor to signs of aging.

"Chronic, low-grade inflammation — often referred to as 'inflammaging' — is a key driver of visible skin aging," notes Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist. "Over time, inflammation leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of dermal integrity."

Elm Biosciences offers two products: the A3O Elemental Serum for skin and the Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement, the combination of which purports to reduce inflammation by strengthening the skin's delicate barrier, treating UV damage, and keeping skin hydrated. Each contains ingredients that align with the brand's claims about reducing inflammation, but it's important to note that these products are more preventive than completely reparative (especially the supplements).

"I don't think a lot about age, but I don't want to look my age," Martha Stewart said on her podcast in 2024 — echoing what she told Into The Gloss back in 2015, that she knows wrinkles can't be erased with skincare alone, but they can be softened with prevention and a proactive routine. Dr. Rambhia explains that there is merit to Stewart's approach. "Once wrinkles form, topical skincare alone can't erase them completely. However, consistent use of evidence-based ingredients such as retinoids, antioxidants, and daily sunscreen can soften their appearance and help prevent progression."

But how does that translate to this inside-and-out approach?

As someone with sensitive skin who would love to prevent my skin from aging for as long as possible, I put Stewart's new Elm Biosciences skincare and supplement line to the test to see if the antioxidant-rich products actually make a difference.

My review: The A3O Elemental Serum delivers a noticeable glow with a lightweight feel.

Elm's serum is housed in a weighty, frosted glass bottle with a golden cap that is so luxurious it's almost like a piece of decor. But the serum itself is just as luxe.

When I first started testing it, I was struck by how silky-smooth the A3O Elemental Serum was. The formula is lightweight and non-sticky, and it immediately adds a radiant, youthful glow that lasts for hours on end. There's no smell that I can detect (which is a major bonus for me), and the subtle yellow hue of the serum creates a warmth on my skin that makes me look more awake. It also absorbs quickly, making it work extremely well with makeup.

After testing the serum for nearly a month, I've found that my skin looks healthier and happier than before, with noticeable results.

The serum ingredients aren't just a matter of buzzy marketing terms. They're actually proven to have an impact on skin.

The formula itself hinges on the brand's patent-pending A3O Complex, which is a combination of Acetyl Zingerone (an antioxidant found in ginger), Bakuchiol (a retinol alternative), and a hydrating fatty acid ester. This combination is designed to reduce skin inflammation and fight signs of aging. It also contains well-known moisturizing and brightening ingredients like squalene, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and shea butter.

"Several ingredients in this formulation align with the product's claims of supporting collagen development, strengthening the skin barrier, and improving hydration," says Dr. Rambhia. "Bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative, has been shown to promote collagen production and improve skin texture while being better tolerated than traditional retinoids. Additionally, acetyl zingerone, a potent antioxidant derived from ginger, may help mitigate oxidative stress and UV-induced damage. Collectively, these ingredients support a more youthful and radiant complexion."

So, while it's true you might be paying a lot for the packaging, you're also getting a formula that's actually effective.

The Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement is filled with vitamin D and antioxidants, which derms say can reduce inflammation — but they may not be as effective as you're led to think.

I'm typically a bit weary of supplements (I've had some negative reactions to certain hair and skin gummies before) — but the thing I like in theory about the Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement is just how simple the ingredient list is.

Vitamin D, which is known to strengthen the skin's barrier and support skin regeneration, is the heaviest hitter, though it also includes organic turmeric root powder (a famously anti-inflammatory ingredient), and holy basil leaf powder, among a handful of other ingredients aimed at fighting aging.

Although the brand claims the supplement will work overtime to help fight wrinkle-causing inflammation from the inside, Dr. Rambhia does have her thoughts on supplements as a whole.

"Ingestible supplements can play a supportive role in overall skin health, particularly when addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, or nutritional deficiencies. However, they should be viewed as adjunctive rather than primary interventions, [especially considering that] the quality and formulation of these products vary widely," she says.

"This formulation includes several bioactive compounds with demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity: polypodium leucotomos has been shown to reduce UV-induced oxidative stress and enhance the skin's natural defenses, while curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, exerts anti-inflammatory effects."

So while there's evidence that the supplements can be impactful, it's unlikely you'll see any drastic results from them. I've only been taking the supplement for about a month, and I haven't noticed much, but the brand notes that it takes a minimum of three months to see results. That said, my sister-in-law unwittingly noticed a change in my skin and said how "refreshed" I looked — which, for a tired new mom to a seven-month-old (who is currently teething and not sleeping well), was a completely unexpected compliment. Of course, it's hard to know how much of an impact the supplements actually had here, because the results of the serum felt much more noticeable.

The bottom line

Yet again, I'm here to say: Martha Stewart has good taste. Her foray into the world of beauty is no different, and Elm Biosciences is a solid choice for those who are really serious about their skin care and want to prevent signs of aging as much as possible.

The serum is a gorgeous — and seriously luxe — addition to my own routine, and I'll definitely be continuing to use the bottle until the very last drop. Personally, it is a bit pricey, so I may use it only a few times a week for a boost of radiance instead of every day to savor the golden goodness.

As for the daily supplement, I haven't seen major results yet, but it's filled with efficacious (and more importantly, safe) ingredients, so it feels like an easy way to elevate my self-care game in a unique way.

Another win for Stewart.

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